How do you feel the aftermath of WWII shaped the lives of the characters and their parents?
WWII was a horrific time in the lives of the generation before us, particularly if they lived in Europe. My Mom was an air raid warden on our street but miraculously the battles never came to our shores. Having said that, many families had loved ones who were serving in Europe or Asia. Some sadly did not return. I can remember my parents determined to move out of the shadow of those times. Social activities increased, sewing and sharing patterns, also knitting and crocheting were great pastimes. Bridge became a regular thing for both the ladies and couples.
The characters in Chelsea Girls wanted to leap out of that somber time in Europe but their parents were not so quickly able to bounce back from the devastation of the war. Some streets were described as still leveled by bombs. Mary’s creative efforts and the work of her associates gave the younger generation hope. Their parents were not on board with it all. Understandable actually;.
WWII was such a big influence on the culture, the people and social values. After WWII there were so many lost lives, people suffering from injuries both physical and mental and property destroyed that it was a sober time. Unlike America, there continued to be rationing of food and materials in England.
The youthful generations have always wanted to explore and rebel, but with such a terrible experience of war there was an even stronger desire to separate and be different than previous generations. Because of course, young people know they could do a better job than previous generations and want CHANGE! (I say this as someone, who also thought I knew better than earlier generations!) Mary Quant’s fashion was fun, different and rebelling against the previous generations.
I think Dee said it best. Post WWII was a time of huge change and fashion was just one segment. Maybe the easiest to notice!